Instead of eating out......

Cook a crock pot meal!

According to an article in Meridian, 3/4 of people surveyed eat out at least once a week and 1 in 10 eat out almost every day (see complete article on http://www.ldsmag.com/debtfree/090304cost.html). The article says "For far too many families, eating out has become a way of life. Their refrigerators and their pantries are nearly empty and so are their pocketbooks. Home-cooking saves time (driving to and/or waiting in line at restaurants) and health as well as money." If you struggle to find the energy and time to prepare dinner at the end of a long day, pull out your crock pot! With a few ingredients and very little effort, supper can be waiting for you at the end of a long day. Here is a favorite crock pot recipe from recipezaar:

Crock Pot Chicken W/Black Beans and Cream Cheese

Serves 4

4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (no need to thaw!)

1 (15 1.2 ounce) can black beans

1 (15 ounce) can corn (you can also use 2 cups frozen or fresh)

1 (15 ounce) jar salsa, any kind

1 (8 ounce) cream cheese

Put frozen chicken breasts in crock pot.

Drain black beans and corn, add to crock pot.

Add jar of salsa

Cook in crock pot on high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-9 hours or until chicken is cooked through.

Add cream cheese and let sit for about 30 minutes.

Stir in cream cheese and serve over rice or eat as is.

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 4-8 hours

Cost:

chicken $3.24(half of a $6.48 bag of frozen breasts)
beans $.62

corn $.68

salsa $1.98

cream cheese $1.22

total cost: $7.74

$1.93 per serving